A tactical take on a Gerber classic, the Paraframe Tanto features a black coated tanto style blade. Like the original Paraframe, the Paraframe Tanto is an open frame knife with a locking blade that is lightweight, easy to clean, and opens effortlessly. Built with a smooth stainless steel handle and a clip for secure wear, the Paraframe Tanto is an excellent everyday carry knife for the tactical professional.

Features

Frame Lock

Thumb Studs

Tanto Blade, Partially Serrated

Black Titanium Nitride Coated Blade

Pocket Clip

Specifications

Blade Length: 3.5"

Blade Steel: 7Cr17MoV Stainless

Overall Length: 7.0"

Handle Material: 3Cr13 Stainless Steel

Weight: 2.9 oz.

Made in China

UPC Code: 013658132634

Badges

Frame Lock
Developed by Chris Reeve, it functions like a liner lock but the lock is comprised of one of the handle scales. It's an extremely strong and easy to manipulate lock.

Pocket Clip
Includes a pocket clip for easy accessibility and a more secure carry.

BLUF: This is an excellent knife for every day carry, but it well-suited for tactical purposes!I lost my Gerber Paraframe a few months ago (much to my dismay) and so I decided to go with something a little more tactical to suit my role as an Army Cadet. I purchased the Gerber Paraframe Tanto in powder black to fulfill this purpose. I was instantly impressed by the packaging from Gerber, just a simple cardboard box package with the company logo, the model, and the contact info for the warranty department. I was disappointed initially with the relatively short blade (3.125") compared to the original Paraframe, and the size relative to the handle was a bit awkward to get used to. It opened like a champ, though, right out of the box and continues to do so pretty easily, unlike most Gerber knives, which surprised me. The thumb studs are easily positioned so you can open it one-handed and close it one-handed as well with a bit of practice. It is very concealable as well, I challenged my police officer friend to pat me down while I was carrying the knife and he was unable to find it on my body. The pocket clip makes it easy to retain, although the flare to assist with clipping adds a bit too much of an assist, causing the knife to catch and snag on things like table edges, thick brush, or other people's clothing in crowded environments. This has become my personal defense knife, as it is large, sharp, and strong enough to serve as a viable weapon in a fight with its straight-edged Tanto tip and easy-to-grip frame. I would feel safe and effective with this weapon in my hands in a fight. Overall an excellent knife. It can be big for everyday carry into facilities that don't look kindly at pocket knives like schools or hospitals, but for a good everyday knife it's excellent. I've used it for everything from cutting cardboard boxes to field dressing small game and it has performed very well. Easy to sharpen and easy to maintain.

Orlando O

Lake Placid, Fl

Apr 13, 2013

Pros: Handle Feel, Weight, Blade Sharpness, None

Cons: Lock Ease of Use, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality

Not what I expected.

I'm the owner of an other Paraframe I knife. That knife wants to be deployed. Pushing the blade out it seems to snap out with little effort. This knife does not have such intent. While the profile of the blade is very impressive. Opening it requires much more effort. It is very stiff. No matter the angle on the way to locking it resists opening. Once opened the linerlock often sticks requiring extra effort to unlock. I know this is a rather inexpensive knife. But if there is a 'characteristic' of paraframes that they were trying to maintain. This knife fails to do so. Comparing again with my first Paraframe I. There are design details that are also different. The screws that hold it together seems to protrude just a bit more. They are quite easy to feel. Where as on the earlier model, they are just under the surface. Also the handle on my first had some beveling details that are missing on this newer knife. The clip also is very different. It has a very pronounced zigzag. The very end of which seems to stand out from the knife handle a bit more than previous. Sadly also there is play in the clip, enough that if it moves toward the blade opening upon closing the knife the cut outs in the handle become accessible to a finger tip. Better be mindful of where you put your fingers when closing. One nice detail on the clip is the Gerber name on it. Again this series of knives are not very expensive. But I would think Gerber would want to establish a "legend" that is consistent for a particular design. This model or production run took a few quality short cuts. I'll keep this knife cause I like how it looks. But if I encounter it out in the world, it will be interesting to note if production quality is the same as this first run.

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